Vehicle

2011 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring 4dr SUV (3.7L 6cyl 6A)

Review

We have had the vehicle for about 3 months, and are very satisfied.Gas milage is consistenly about 19 miles per gallon.We compared most of the 5 and 7 passenger SUVs and Crossovers.The Mazda was great on price and features.We liked the Nissans, but they did not have the seating or the storage areas.My biggest concern is the Ford motor and transmission, but it will be a couple of years before I can know if this was a problem.There are not many Mazda dealers near us, so we will be using Ford for most service and repairs.

Best Features

The multi-zone air conditioner is great, truly allowing for multiple temps within the vehicle.
The sound system is good.
The vehicle is comfortable in all seats, with adequate room for American sized adults.
The amount of storage, with the seats down or up, is the best in the class.

Worst Features

The GPS (at $1800, with other required options) is a total waste of money.
The GPS has limited functionality while moving.
The GPS does allow audio commands while moving, but this is often more distracting than typing in commands.
The GPS will not allow you to use a road below a certain size.
In the rural area that I live, this means about half the roads are not allowed, including the road I live upon.
Also, you must give up the 6 CD player for a single CD player, when you get the GPS.
The routes chosen by the GPS are often nonsense.
Basically think of every comedy you have watched fearturing a GPS, and this was the GPS in the movie.